Spacecraft

ASPECT: Hyperspectral imager for planetary defense

ASPECT is a hyperspectral imager aboard the Milani CubeSat, part of ESA's Hera planetary defense mission. Developed by VTT in Finland, ASPECT will study the Didymos-Dimorphos asteroid system after NASA’s DART mission's impact. Aalto University leads ASPECT’s science operations and data processing.
ASPECT hyperspectral imager integrated into Milani CubeSat.
ASPECT hyperspectral imager integrated into Milani CubeSat. (Credit: Tyvak International)

Hera is an ESA planetary defense mission. Launched in October 2024 its target is a binary asteroid Didymos-Dimorphos. Together with NASA DART spacecraft Hera participates in first-ever kinetic impact planetary defense test. Hera will characterize both asteroids and evaluate efficiency of DART kinetic impact on Dimorphos. On board is carried a miniature Milani CubeSat with hyperspectral imager ASPECT build by VTT in Finland. Aalto leads ASPECT science operations planning and ground data processing.

https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Hera

https://www.heramission.space

Contact:

Tomas Kohout ([email protected])

Professor Jaan Praks ([email protected])

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